Linda Lee Bircher-Van Buren

Linda Lee Bircher-Van Buren died peacefully at her home on Feb. 25, 2013 with her husband, George, and her cats at her side. She was 66.

Linda was born in Wilson on Nov. 24, 1946 to Andy and Gertrude Bircher and joined four sisters, Lois, Betty, Jean and Barbara and two brothers, Jerry and Kenny, at the family home on the banks of Fish Creek.

Linda loved the “Little Red School.” She was a very good student and excelled in reading and math. It was during grade school that Linda learned to ski on the hill behind the school. A rope tow was used to go up the hill to Huidekopers field. She and many of her schoolmates spent many happy hours there. Linda was quiet, but would not put up with fools. She remained that way her entire life. She enjoyed sharing a laugh with her friends and was also very proud of them.

Linda went to Jackson for high school. She graduated from Jackson-Wilson High School in 1964. During her high school years, she played softball (which she had little patience for) and baseball with the boys. She could out hit and out throw many of them. Linda also developed into a very accomplished ski racer in high school and won many regional races. Linda was on the Wilson Wranglers horse drill team as a teenager. Her quiet determination and standard of excellence helped her compete at a high level and would help her the rest of her life.

She continued her education at Casper College and the University of Wyoming, where she received degrees in English and French. Linda took a break and taught skiing in the Tahoe area before receiving a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Linda then began a teaching career that took her to schools in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Idaho. During these years she traveled to Europe several times with friends. Her last teaching job found her meeting her soul mate in Wright. Linda and George Van Buren were married Aug. 23, 2005.

Retirement took the couple to Powell where they enjoyed their many hobbies and each other. Linda’s hobbies included photography, at which she excelled, working in the garden, wood carving, painting, quilting and camping. She was also very passionate about the Denver Broncos and Wyoming football.

She is survived by her husband George, sons-in-law Damon and Aaron Van Buren, six nephews, two nieces and many, many friends.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on June 8 at the Elliot Cemetery in Wilson. Cremation has taken place.

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.